Elder Statesman and Chairman of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, Chief Deji Fasuan have emphasized that the State is still moving in the right direction to fulfill the vision set forth by its founding fathers.
Fasuan, who himself celebrated his 92nd birthday on the same day Ekiti marked its 27th anniversary, expressed contentment with the state's progress despite numerous challenges since its establishment in 1996. He conveyed these thoughts during a visit by the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to his residence in Ado-Ekiti, where Oyebanji once served as the secretary of the state creation committee, with Chief Fasuan as its chairman during the nineties.
Reflecting on the socio-economic development achieved by Ekiti State over the past 27 years, Chief Fasuan noted that the existence of a state named after the Ekiti people had validated the efforts and sacrifices made by those who championed its creation. He recalled the challenges faced by the committee during its formation but acknowledged that the emergence of Secretary of the Committee, Oyebanji, as the State Governor had heightened optimism that the development envisioned by the founding fathers would materialize more swiftly.
Chief Fasuan expressed satisfaction that the people were receiving the attention and development they had yearned for. He cited the transformation of the state capital, Ado-Ekiti, into a more cosmopolitan city, akin to other major towns, thanks to successive governments' investments in infrastructure upgrades.
He commended Governor Oyebanji for his progressive initiatives aimed at furthering development in the state, urging all Ekiti indigenes to collaborate with the Governor to realize his vision for Ekiti State.
Fasuan affirmed that the Governor grasped the vision of the founding fathers and had been tirelessly working to achieve an admirable status for Ekiti State.
In response, Ekiti State Governor, during his congratulatory visit to the nonagenarian, expressed gratitude to Chief Fasuan for his leadership among notable Ekiti leaders in the quest for Ekiti State's creation. Governor Oyebanji highlighted the substantial development that has occurred in the 27 years since the state's inception, emphasizing that the dreams and vision of the founding fathers for a state of pride have been largely realized. Ekiti has become a significant player in Nigeria's political landscape.
He stressed that the state has rightfully claimed its position among other states in Nigeria, building a reputation as a progressive and development-oriented state geared towards prosperity for all.
The Governor also expressed appreciation for Chief Fasuan's pivotal role in the struggle for the establishment of Ekiti State and its continued development, assuring him that history would remember him kindly for these contributions.
